Lot's of smoke re this rumor. Articles in the Florida Times-Union and Atlanta JC. Now local UF (sports talk) radio guy, Steve Russell, has stated on his afternoon show that Spiller will be enrolled at UF by the end of this week. Classes "started" Monday but students will beging to show up tomorrow, maybe Thursday. Campus and surrounding areas still in a celebratory mode ............. with a big pep rally on Saturday.
I wouldn't be surprised. Wasn't he very close to signing with UF last year and made a last minute decision to go to Clemson? If it's true it's a big pickup for the Gators, even though he won't be available to play next year.
As I recall, he was down to UF, FSU, and Clemson was considered as having a shot but not as good as the two Florida schools. There are reports he's requesting a "hardship" transfer which, if granted, would allow him to play in 2008. I haven't heard of this but that would be great, if possible.
Not sure what the "hardship" might be. I believe he has a child and may be wanting to get back to Gville, get married, etc.
May be turning into a mess, drama. Clemson released a statement that he's staying put ...... but mama is on radio and quoted in the newspaper as saying CJ told her he's transferring to UF. Perhaps a talented, confused young man being pulled in different directions by too many people. Would lave to see him in Gainesville but perhaps Clemson is the better place for him?
I have never understood why any programs fans would want anothers players? Win or get better at any cost? You let them transfer and you wonder what's up with youth today? I guess I'm from old school that when you give somebody your word, then you honor your commitment.
Tailback, then there is one thing you like about ND football. I can't remember the last time ND accepted a scholarship player as a transfer. We have had some guys over the years, transfer to ND and walkon the team. Pat Terrel a safety on the 88 Nat'l Championship team transfered from Harvard and walked on. But that's about all that I can remember. But while we don't have a rule against it, in effect we never take transfers or JUCO's.
He should've stayed at Duke. Although I thought he was a freak of an athlete, I didn't want him to come to UGA. He gave Duke his word and broke it.
Tailback, as a father how would you like to be away from your kids for 3-4 years? I personally don't think it is going to make or break the Gator program whether he comes or not, but I do think that a 19 year old young man who is a father and wants to be near his kids should be at least heard as far as his desires.
Bill, I understand and to not get too harsh on the kid, (like who's supporting the kid and mother while he is at school living the good life) but why doesn't he bring the Mother and kid to Clemson if he wants to be the good dad? I'm sure Clemson has some kind of program that will put those 2 up in an apartment with him? If not maybe he should drop out and get a job to support them? You give someone your word, then live up to it. I know the Gators can do w/o this kid. I just have a hard time understanding why fans get excited over this type thing?
Tailback, you may have a good point about bringing the kid to Clemson. I'm not sure if that is possible or not. However the reason people get excited about this kind of thing is because Spiller is a special talent and the thought of him playing for your team can get people excited. But your points are well taken. But another view might be that the coaches are frequently free to leave, why not the kids?
The assumption is Bill and I tend to agree that when kids make tough decisions and leave home and friends behind and go to schools that maybe were not a popular choice back home that they could be subject to undue pressure to change and relent and give in to that pressure by switching back to the home school. Another issue to consider is that these young kids could just cut and run at the first signs of adversity and that is not always better either.
On the subject of Florida HS stars going out-of-state ..... Dee Morley is no longer at UT; grades weren't what they needed to be.
Morely is the guy who had the Miami based Tenn. "mentor" if you will. I never quite figured that one out and I hope the Gators stay very clear of Morely. He sounds like bad news to me. I think Avery Atkins on the other hand has a better chance of winding back up in a Gator uniform although it's not a guarantee he will. You have to believe that watching UF cruise to the NC on Mon. night had to make just about any hot Florida bred recruit like Morely and Spiller that spurned Fla in the last couple of years wonder what in the hell were they thinking going out of state to places that have seen much less success.